12-Day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with the 2026 Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang

12 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour offers a rare chance to witness one of Nepal's most colorful and spiritually significant festivals in the remote trans...

Duration: 12 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni · Languages: English

Know before you go: Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and permit verification is required at Kagbeni before entering the region.; The Tiji Festival 2026 will be held from 14 May to 16 May in Lo Manthang.; Optional extensions or side trips can be arranged upon request.

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What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (3★ hotel with breakfast)
2 nights accommodation in Pokhara (3★ hotel with breakfast)
Domestic flight: Kathmandu-Pokhara with airport transfers
Private 4WD Jeep transportation as per itinerary (Pokhara-Upper Mustang-Pokhara)
3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour
7 nights tea house accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Licensed local guide and experienced driver (salary, meals, accommodation, insurance)
Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the tour
Purified drinking water (water purification tablets)
Deluxe tourist bus ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu with transfers
Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant in Thamel
All government taxes and local service charges

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses: drinks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, and snacks
Extra meals or accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure
Tips for guide and driver (customary and appreciated)

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival, Pokhara Flight, and Mustang Jeep Journey

Day 1: 09 May 2026 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will warmly welcome you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you may relax or explore nearby cultural attractions. In the evening, you will meet your guide for a detailed trip briefing and final equipment check. Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel Driving Time: ~30 minutes Driving Time: ~30 minutes Day 2: 10 May 2026 - Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,696ft) Enjoy a scenic morning flight to Pokhara with breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore Lakeside. Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara Meals: Breakfast Meals: Breakfast Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes Day 3: 11 May 2026 - Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani (5-6 hours) After breakfast, begin your jeep journey toward Mustang. Drive along winding mountain roads through villages, terraced farms, rivers, and deep gorges. In the evening, relax your muscles in Tatopani's natural hot springs. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance: 110 km / 68 miles Distance: 110 km / 68 miles Day 4: 12 May 2026 - Drive to Kagbeni via Jomsom & Muktinath (5-6 hours) Travel through Marpha village, explore Jomsom Bazaar, and visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. After sightseeing, continue to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance: 85 km / 52.8 miles Distance: 85 km / 52.8 miles Day 5: 13 May 2026 - Drive from Kagbeni to Charang (3,560m / 11,679ft) After permit verification at Kagbeni, enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Drive through Chhusang, Chelle, Samar, Ghiling, and Ghami, crossing mani walls and the Kali Gandaki River. Arrive at Charang, known for its monastery and fortress-like village setting. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Driving Time: 4-5 hours Driving Time: 4-5 hours Day 6: 14 May 2026 - Drive to Lo Manthang & 1st Day of Tiji Festival Drive to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, passing dramatic cliffs, plateaus, sky caves, and Upper Mustang's longest mani wall. After lunch, attend the first day of the Tiji Festival, witnessing sacred masked dances performed by monks. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Driving Time: 2-3 hours Driving Time: 2-3 hours Festival: Day 1 of Tiji (2026) Festival: Day 1 of Tiji (2026) Day 7: 15 May 2026 - 2nd Day of Tiji Festival Celebration Spend the morning exploring Lo Manthang and optionally drive to Chhoser Village to visit sky caves and a Buddhist school. Return to Lo Manthang to observe the second day of the Tiji Festival, featuring ritual dances symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Festival: Day 2 of Tiji (2026) Festival: Day 2 of Tiji (2026) Day 8: 16 May 2026 - Final Day of Tiji Festival Visit important cultural sites including Champa Lhakhang and Namgyal Gompa. After midday, join locals for the final day of Tiji Festival celebrations, marking the ceremonial conclusion of this sacred event. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Festival: Day 3 of Tiji (2026) Festival: Day 3 of Tiji (2026) Day 9: 17 May 2026 - Drive from Lo Manthang to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,923ft) Bid farewell to Upper Mustang and retrace your route through Tsarang, Ghami, and Kagbeni. After permit verification, continue to Jomsom. Enjoy the evening exploring the market and tasting local apple products. Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Driving Time: 5-6 hours Driving Time: 5-6 hours Day 10: 18 May 2026 - Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara Drive back to Pokhara via the same scenic route, allowing time for photography and short stops along the way. Accommodation: Hotel in Lakeside Accommodation: Hotel in Lakeside Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Driving Time: 7-8 hours Driving Time: 7-8 hours Day 11: 19 May 2026 - Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu Travel by deluxe tourist bus along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing vibrant market towns and lush landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel for your final evening. Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel Meals: Breakfast Meals: Breakfast Driving Time: 8-9 hours Driving Time: 8-9 hours Day 12: 20 May 2026 - Final Departure A private airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Optional extensions or side trips can be arranged upon request. Meals: Breakfast Meals: Breakfast